Media Consultancy

A Better Start Southend (ABSS) is part of a ten-year programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund with the aim of transforming services for very young children. Southend is one of five sites that will share funding as the programme develops. ABSS is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Southend–on-Sea Borough Council and is being delivered in partnership with the Council and the Pre-School Learning Alliance. The programme has the support of a range of other local organisations. The contract The appointed agency/contractor will provide PR and communications support to the existing ABSS communications team on an “as–required” basis while the team establishes its steady state operation. Support required will include (but may not be limited to):

Content generation for example: • Case studies, visual and video material to add to and enhance the existing ABS website. • Other communications material (blog posts, articles, press information newsletters etc) • Video content for use at engagement events and online

Media consultancy for example • Proposals for national and sector specialist media campaigns supporting the ABS vision and approach. • Campaign delivery and other media support as required

Event management • Possible event management support around local engagement events and a national conference planned for early 2017.

The successful applicants will need to demonstrate: • an understanding of the challenges facing the programme, in particular the complexity and different needs of its many audience groups; • an ability to combine a range of communications channels and techniques to deliver effective communications campaigns aimed at a diverse audience; • proven success in delivering media campaigns which attract significant national attention amongst key policy opinion formers; • excellent copywriting ability and the flexibility to provide engaging content in a range of formats (including video) and for different platforms • excellent media contacts, particularly in the fields of early years, health, public service delivery • event management experience • a flexible and collegiate approach and prior experience of working on projects delivered by a number of partner organisations.

Providers should note that all clarification questions must be made in writing (including email). All clarification questions must be clearly marked CLARIFICATION with the question and Provider details clearly set out. Any clarification questions from the Provider to the Council should be sent to [email protected] To allow information to be circulated in time, the deadline for receiving clarification questions is 12:00hrs on Wednesday 21st September 2016. The quotation return date is 12:00hrs on Monday 26th September 2016. Quotations should be submitted by email to [email protected] (you are recommended to request confirmation of receipt).